Anelka can still be a force in the Premier League, claims boss Clarke

Steve Clarke says Nicolas Anelka still has it in him to be a Premier League force.

West Brom's head coach was delighted with the former France international who grabbed two goals during the Baggies' 3-0 victory over Puskas FC Academy in Hungary yesterday.

The 34-year-old striker showed that suggestions of his demise at the top level were premature as Clarke was left purring at his performance at the final whistle.

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The Scot said he had checked out Anelka's fitness before handing him what is likely to be a swansong in the Premier League and had no doubt that he would be a huge asset to the Black Country club.

Clarke said: 'I never had a doubt about Nicolas because I had worked with him at Chelsea.

'I was with Avram Grant when we bought him. So I knew the type of person he was, the type of player he is.

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'Since he clearly looks after himself, I had no doubts.

'I have got one or two good contacts around the football world and I checked him out when he was at Juventus.

'The fitness statistics I got back was that he was one of the best trainers. He's one of the top performers in terms of fitness stats at Juventus. If you can do that at Juventus, you are fit enough for us.

'Nicolas is a player. I don't have to sit here and talk him up. Where he has been in the football world and what he has done in the football world tell you he is a top quality player and we are just lucky to have him in our group this season.'